Pearland’s Muslim community members stood up at City Hall on Monday, asking city leaders for support during a “heightened era of Islamophobia” amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“I am asking you to fight for your constituents by not accepting a one-sided bullying of the American-Palestinian people caused by the media and approved by Gov. (Gregg) Abbott,” said Dalia Kasseb, a resident and business owner. “We have students and adults in our community of Palestinian, Christian, and Muslim backgrounds that are afraid to go to school, to go out for a run, go to their places of worship, and live their normal lives due to increased Islamophobic comments and attacks.”
Many feel targeted, she said, because of events abroad, mirroring similar reports nationwide. In Arlington, Va., the Council on American-Islamic Relations canceled its banquet for the first time in 10 years due to threats of violence.
Among the half dozen who spoke was a recent high school graduate who said she faced derogatory remarks solely based on her appearance.
“We have students and adults in our community of Palestinian, Christian and Muslim backgrounds that are afraid to go to school, to go out for a run, go to their places of worship and live their normal lives due to increased Islamophobic comments and attacks.”
– Dalia Kasseb, Pearland resident
“The anxiety and fear that engulf me when I step beyond the confines of my home are palpable,” she said, adding that her job in customer service has recently led to awful experiences.
She said that Palestine has also caused a divide at her school.
A conflict several weeks ago has since resulted in increased police patrols at both Muslim and Jewish places of worship, Mayor Kevin Cole said.
“Hatred is just not welcome here,” Cole said. “It’s not welcome in our community. We don’t want an act against anyone for their religion, or who they are, or how they look.”
“Pray for peace,” Cole said. “We need peace on all sides.”
